U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced the allocation of more than $117 million in federal funding for Kentucky transportation and economic development projects as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. The legislation, which passed the Senate, now awaits President Trump’s signature. Senator McConnell, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was involved in shaping this bill.
The funding includes over $50 million for economic development projects across Kentucky. These include $20 million for constructing a new Cave City Area Agriculture Exposition Center in Barren County, $11 million for improvements led by the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, $7 million for infrastructure redevelopment at Louisville’s Belvedere, $6.6 million to build a new childcare facility in Owensboro through the YMCA, $4.5 million for Covington’s Central Riverfront Podium and Land Bridge Infrastructure project, and $1.45 million for an overpass connecting a business park to major highways via Barnesburg Road.
Senator McConnell stated, “From Barren, Pulaski, and McCreary Counties to Louisville and Owensboro, I’m proud to have helped secure this funding for economic development projects across the Commonwealth. This federal funding will help revitalize important locations and infrastructure throughout our communities and promote development in our cities and towns.”
Local officials expressed appreciation for these investments. Jamie Bewley Byrd, Barren County Judge-Executive said, “On behalf of Barren County, I want to sincerely thank Senator McConnell for his support in securing federal funding for this agricultural expo center.” J.C. Egnew of the McCreary County Heritage Foundation remarked that the revitalization project “will make Stearns a world class tourism destination.” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said, “Thank you, Senator McConnell, for your support of the redevelopment of the Belvedere.” Tom Watson, Mayor of Owensboro added that expanding childcare facilities is “a homerun for everyone with our Senator going to bat for us.” Covington Mayor Ron Washington noted that strengthening riverfront infrastructure would “create jobs” and improve quality of life.
Chris Girdler from Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority highlighted that a new bridge at SPEDA Commerce Park would allow direct access from Highway 80 without disrupting traffic flow.
Kentucky airports are set to receive more than $36 million in federal funds. Elizabethtown Regional Airport will get $9.25 million towards runway design work and land acquisition; Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport will receive $9.5 million to reconstruct taxiways and aprons; Louisville International Airport gets $9.6 million to develop a Federal Inspection Service facility enabling international flights; Blue Grass Airport receives $5.4 million toward relocating its air traffic control tower; Barkley Regional Airport will use its $3.1 million allocation to upgrade runway lighting systems.
Senator McConnell commented on airport funding: “This federal funding will help support Kentucky’s airports that accommodate millions of commercial air passengers every single year and smaller airports that provide important local services.”
Airport officials thanked Senator McConnell for supporting infrastructure upgrades that aim to increase safety and operational capacity while fostering regional growth.
For highways, Kentucky will receive $30 million: $20 million goes toward studying improvements along Hal Rogers Parkway while another $10 million supports right-of-way acquisition and utility placement related to constructing a new I-69 bridge across the Ohio River at Henderson.
Senator McConnell stated: “Kentuckians rely on state parkways, highways, and interstates to safely commute to work and travel across our Commonwealth… This funding will help upgrade already existing thoroughfares and work toward securing the future of transportation in Kentucky.”
Local leaders welcomed these investments as vital steps toward regional connectivity and economic opportunity.
Senator Mitch McConnell is Kentucky’s longest-serving senator and has held key leadership positions within the Republican Party in the U.S. Senate since 1984 according to his official biography. He has played significant roles in shaping national policy—including efforts related to judiciary appointments—and continues his legislative activities representing Kentucky as detailed on his website.
